10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown
These cuddly companions—Maltese, toy poodles, and mixes like the Puggle—have personalities that remain young and adorable forever.
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Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. Their behavior makes us laugh, and we can never get enough of cuddling with a rambunctious puppy. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown.
You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior-age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives. For example, the Puggle is a mix between a pug and a beagle. Pugs and beagles tend to be smaller dogs on their own, but a combination of their genes produces a dog that looks like a little brown puppy even when it's fully grown. Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) also have characteristically puppy features no matter their maturity. These small dogs are sweet and lovable, a favorite for many people.
It might just be their perpetual adorable puppy features that reel you in. Whatever it is, you will be drawn to these little dogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier—also known as a Yorkie—is known for affectionate behavior. While their hair can get really long, most people will have them groomed to have short hair. Yorkies reach to seven to eight inches tall at adulthood and rarely weigh more than seven pounds.
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Puggle
Puggles are a mix between the pug and the beagle. They tend to get along with kids and have a playful spirit. If you get the toy-sized version of the puggle, they weigh between eight and 17 pounds and are less than 13 inches tall. Regular puggles get 13 to 15 inches and 18 to 30 pounds, but their faces remain puppy-like no matter their size.
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Toy Poodle
These little poodles get no bigger than 10 inches and weigh no more than four to six pounds. Toy poodles have self-confidence and agility that make them perfect companions for first-time dog owners or people who just want a smaller dog.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Their floppy ears will get you every time. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being a breed of gentle pups that have plenty of affection to give their caregivers. Their fur is moderate length and silky.
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Japanese Chin
What's better than a bushy tail and long, fluffy ears? The Japanese Chin offers both, as all as a puppy-like appearance for its entire lifespan and a charming personality that will make you fall immediately in love.
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Maltese
Maltese dogs are truly small. They get no bigger than seven pounds with a height of no more than seven to nine inches. Maltese dogs have expressive faces, too, and will bring you puppy-love joy their entire lives.
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Shih Tzu
Known for its luxurious long hair, the Shih Tzu is a lovable little dog. Shih Tzus are as playful and outgoing as puppies throughout their lifespan of 10 to 18 years. These dogs have a history of being bred as companions for the palace in China.
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French Bulldog
While bulldogs can get fairly large, French Bulldogs only grow to about 11 to 13 inches tall and under 28 pounds. The adult dogs look like slightly bigger versions of the puppies.
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Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. These alert and amusing "purse dogs" stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There's a reason that Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been beloved by everyone, including the Queen of England. These little dogs are adorable, puppy-like, and playful. Corgis grow to between 10 and 12 inches in height and up to 27 pounds in adulthood.